The TDI badge stands for Turbocharged Direct Injection, and is the badge fitted to turbodiesel versions of the golf. These engines are well known for their dependability as well as producing a great balance between performance and fuel efficiency.

What is the most popular Golf?

The Golf Match is the most popular version of the Golf. It's a mid-to-high specification version of the Mk7 golf and came equipped with adaptive cruise control, touchscreen sat nav and air con as standard. Of the Mk8, the Life is the most readily available on the used market. Though it's the entry-level model, it still comes with alloy wheels, front/rear parking sensors, sat nav and climate control.

Is the Volkswagen Golf good for long-distance driving?

Yes, the Golf is a very comfortable motorway cruiser. The interior is also spacious enough to accommodate passengers on a longer trip.

Is the Golf a good family car?

Yes. Volkswagen has always designed the Golf to be a family car. For a long time now, the Golf has only been available in a five-door layout, and it's very straightforward to fit an ISOFIX child seat in the back. Even performance versions such as the GTI and R retain excellent practicality but add a serious dose of performance.

Does the Volkswagen Golf come as a hybrid or electric version?

Yes, you can buy the Golf as an e-Golf, which is a fully electric car. This has lots of advantages, such as much lower running costs. There is also a plug-in hybrid version that allows for up to 42 miles of electric driving before switching to petrol/electric hybrid power to allow you to continue your journey.

Is there a four-wheel drive version of the Golf?

Yes, the very popular Golf R hot hatchback (and estate) comes with four-wheel drive as standard. The other option is the relatively rare Alltrack, which is an estate model.

5,065 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,975

Finance available £356 pm

2L
65.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - MK8 Hatchback 5Dr 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line EVo DSG + 18' BERGAMO ALLOYS + WINTER

Low Mileage

£26,991

1.5L
7.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£24,699

Finance available £519 pm

2L
12.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

£30,595

Finance available £608 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Prestige Cars Ireland

02890026873 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 2.0 TDI CR S Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,395

Finance available £76 pm

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CB Autos UK Ltd

01793268067 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,150

Finance available £70 pm

1.6L
116.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

H N S Motors

01274059857 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0L GTi TSi Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (227 bhp)

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

2L
83.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Rely Motors Ltd

01592807336 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.0 TSI 115 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,499

Finance available £279 pm

1L
39.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Victoria Road Motors LTD

01792001639 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.4 TSI Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 5 (122 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,250

Finance available £117 pm

1.4L
72.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Reduced

£18,490

1.5L
23.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 8 GTI 2.0 TSI 245PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door

Reduced

£26,945

2L
12.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,600

Finance available £312 pm

1.5L
20.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (71) - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

Reduced

£21,950

Finance available £430 pm

2L
39.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Countryside Commercials ltd

01405800967 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£15,863

1.5L
47.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Reading

01189077016 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£22,219

1.5L
18.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Barnstaple

01271443056 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr

£18,999

Finance available £370 pm

2L
31.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutoLine

01212728555 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - MK7 Facelift 1.5 TSI (130ps)Match Edition EVO Manual 5-Door

£14,650

1.5L
45.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - VW 5Dr Style Edition 1.5

£18,299

Finance available £319 pm

1.5L
34.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Gates of Harlow

01279967327 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£23,490

Finance available £462 pm

1.5L
18.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style Edition 5dr Manual

Reduced

£21,250

Finance available £416 pm

1.5L
22.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Warehouse Bridgend

01656336621 *

4.3/5 Stars

Why buy a used Volkswagen Golf?

If you're in the market for a practical, comfortable and dependable car with the added benefit of timeless style and design, then a used Volkswagen Golf is a great choice. The Golf is also available with petrol, diesel, hybrid and even full electric engines.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

Pros

Efficient engines
Impressively refined
High-quality interior

Cons

Rivals are more involving to drive
Digitalised interior is a bit fiddly
Plain styling

Read our Volkswagen Golf review

Volkswagen Golf video review

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Different generations of used Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf has been on the roads since 1974, with the UK being one of its best markets. Over the course of eight generations, Volkswagen has kept the Golf stylish and relevant. The newest models remain highly efficient and thoroughly enjoyable to drive.

Eighth Generation (2020 to Present)

The most recent generation has been completely redesigned inside and out. The style is more striking, with interior features similar to those of the all-electric ID.4. Enhanced safety systems have also been added for a more protected drive.

VW released all-electric models and a plug-in hybrid for increased efficiency, further adding to the overall appeal of the latest generation Golf.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 2
MPG:: 34 - 941
Acceleration:: 4.6 - 10.7 seconds
Boot space:: 273 - 611 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.5 TSI 204 Style eHybrid 5dr DSG
Cheapest
1.0 TSI Life 5dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI 333 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Seventh Generation (2013 to 2020)

The MQB platform created a Golf that was 100 kg lighter than earlier models, meaning better performance, handling and fuel efficiency. Safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking was added. As with previous generations, VW continued working on ways to make the Golf more efficient, with improvements year over year.

In 2013, the Golf R hit the scene and brought class-leading hot hatch performance. Such was the popularity of the Mk7 Golf, over six million were built and sold worldwide.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Full Electric / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
Engine Size:: 2
MPG:: 34 - 166
Acceleration:: 4.6 - 12.9 seconds
Boot space:: 272 - 605 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
99kW e-Golf 35kWh 5dr Auto
Cheapest
1.2 TSI S 3dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI 310 R 3dr 4MOTION DSG

Sixth Generation (2009 to 2016)

It didn't take long before drivers realised how amazing this generation was, with the 2009 model winning the World Car of the Year award. Despite its sharp style, this generation didn't go on many years before another design took over, making them even more desirable on the used market.

Most notably, this generation receives a lot of praise for its safety and the high-tech features included.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1.2 - 2
MPG:: 33 - 74
Acceleration:: 5.5 - 13.9 seconds
Boot space:: 250 - 505 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.2 TSI S 2dr
Cheapest
1.4 S 3dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI R 4MOTION 5dr DSG

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

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